Ideas and Inspiration for Vivid Sci Fi Worldbuilding

Casey Hudson bases her sci fi writing ideas on real-world science and technology. World Workings is where she shares her research, sci fi world building technique, and publishing journey.

Building a Fictional World shows the transition from science to fiction and offers prompts and inspiration to tease out your own sci fi writing ideas.
When Scratch Building Drifting Amalgams, Casey's modeler, Aaron, sculpts, paints, builds, and kitbashes his way to sci fi world building models.
Sci-Fi Self-Publishing Journey shows the path from sci fi writing ideas to sci fi books.

Government emblem for a culture of batlike and leopard-like peoples. The emblem is in two halves. On the left is a pencil sketch, and on the right is a full-color digital version.

Speed Worldbuilding: Sci-Fi Government With Two Figureheads

I’m sci-fi writer Casey Hudson, and I’m worldbuilding a planetwide government that supports galactic expansion. Here’s how I’m transforming worldbuilding questions and real-world ideas into a consociational democracy for my Drifting Amalgams universe. Rather watch a video? Check out the YouTube version of this blog post. How to Worldbuild a Sci-Fi Government Whether on display or idling in a narrative’s background, government structures are an important part of many sci-fi st

Building a Fictional World

6 days ago

Batlike figurine wearing a crown posed next to a leopard-like model wearing an ornate tail adornment

Scratchbuilt Sci-Fi Crown: From Junk to Leadership Symbol

The United Barpadai nation is a full-planet government that needs a bit of help to stay focused. That’s where the Grand Two come in. And to highlight their authority, the Grand Two wear ceremonial garments: a crown and a tail adornment. Watch sci-fi modelmaker Aaron conceptualize and build these unique wardrobe additions from Casey Hudson’s Drifting Amalgams Universe. Get the United Barpadai Nation Government Summary Sheet

Scratch Building Drifting Amalgams

Jun 1

A council of technologically advanced batlike and leopard-like people assembled around a strategy table with a digital map

Worldbuilding a Future State: Exploring a Sci-Fi Government

Within my sci-fi universe, I’m creating a company that’s quietly acquiring universal influence. The narrative is flowing nicely, but it needs a bit of backstory. How do I turn a small enterprise into a galactic power? This is how I’m worldbuilding a planetwide government that nurtured a behemoth. Rather watch a video? Check out the YouTube version of this blog post. Building a Foundation: Designing a Government Type “Originally a manufacturing company, IndServ gained power th

Building a Fictional World

May 18

Hobby Racing in Space: From Sci-Fi Worldbuilding to Sci-Fi Writing

I’m worlbuilding spaceship races for my Drifting Amalgams universe. Here’s how I’m transforming worldbuilding questions and real-world ideas into a hobby and spectator sport. Rather watch a video? Check out the YouTube version of this blog post. How to Worldbuild Hobby Gear and Environment Worldbuilding hobbies can add richness to a culture worldbuild. And done well, it can add narrative value once world becomes story. To go from foundation to true cultural aspect, look at th

Building a Fictional World

Oct 20, 2025

Sci-Fi Model Making: Racing Spacecraft

What does a spacefaring people do for fun? Race. In the Drifting Amalgams universe, spaceship races are a renowned sport. And one of the most copied racing spacecraft designs is the Rayesz Racer. Watch as Aaron creates this Space Diver model from Casey Hudson’s sci-fi series. Get the Rayesz Racer Summary Sheet

Scratch Building Drifting Amalgams

Oct 6, 2025

How I Worldbuild Spaceship Races for a Science Fiction World

If spaceships were an everyday vehicle, you know what people would do? Race them. But what would racing in space look like? And how could a spaceship racer prove they’re the best? This is how I’m worldbuilding spaceship races using some real-world ideas. Rather watch a video? Check out the YouTube version of this blog post. Creating a Challenging “Racetrack” for Racing in Space I’m rounding out one of my Drifting Amalgams characters by giving her an interest in something uniq

Building a Fictional World

Sep 22, 2025

Baren room with books, hiking boots, a video controller, and an easel

How to Worldbuild Hobbies Unique to your Sci Fi Setting

Our diversionary activities say a lot about who we are as individuals and as a culture. And it's how your characters express their personality… especially in a fictional world. Here are some vital questions to explore when designing unique hobbies. Rather watch a video? Check out the YouTube version of this blog post. Baseline for Worldbuilding Hobbies: Popularity and Values I never thought much about hobbies. …until it was time to develop characters for my Drifting Amalgams

Building a Fictional World

Sep 8, 2025

Worldbuilding Concept | Turning Bat Diets into Sci-Fi Cuisine

From foundational foods to flavor, a lot goes into worldbuilding cuisine that’s unique. This is how I go from concept to narrative when...

Building a Fictional World

Aug 25, 2025

An Insect-Based Diet: Worldbuilding Food using Real Science

Both humans and bats have eaten insects for ages. And as insects become a more popular choice for sustainable meat, we’re learning more...

Building a Fictional World

Jul 28, 2025

Fundamental Questions for Worldbuilding Cuisine in Sci-Fi

Food is foundational to culture. It’s how we express emotion. How we take care of ourselves. How we show what we can’t say. And it’s in...

Building a Fictional World

Jul 14, 2025

Worldbuilding Alien Species Based on Real-World Species

How to approach worldbuilding creatures when fictionalizing real-world species? Explore this outline for deciding on morphological changes.

Building a Fictional World

May 26, 2025

Framework for Worldbuilding Terrain in Sci-Fi Writing

When I’m worldbuilding geography for my Drifting Amalgams universe, I want the landmasses and water features I describe to set the mood...

Building a Fictional World

Mar 17, 2025

Sci-Fi Model Making: Batlike Alien

Not all aliens are humanoid–especially in the Drifting Amalgams universe. The tadaribrae, for instance, are similar to Mexican free-tailed bats. Unlike bats of our world, though, this representation of the molossidae family has wings and arms. …and so does its sci-fi model. Watch Aaron take his alien model making to the next level as he reworks this project from Casey Hudson's sci-fi book series. Get the Tadaribrae Species Summary Sheet

Scratch Building Drifting Amalgams

Mar 10, 2025